OK, full disclosure. Resting in the Lord is not always easy for me. Resting in the Lord posses an even greater challenge when all around, an exhausting mix of hurry—flurry—scurry, occupies my life. And, notwithstanding the devil always trying to derail me from spending time with God, finding any measure of rest can pose a significant challenge.
As you already know, taking care of our responsibilities can be a demanding pursuit, and for myself, I allow far too many distractions into my world—everything from keeping up on social media, to playing games on my computer, or taking care of my yard and chores around my home. I also stew about things that I should be trusting God for, so resting in Him can become even more difficult when I am not making the time to do so.
As I ponder these words of self-reproach, God also reminds me that I do not spend enough time in His word, that nourishing my soul is vital to basking in His love. Might you concur on any or all charges? I’ll read the Bible later, I say to myself, or, I’ll spend some quiet time with God once all the menial labour is done or when I flop into bed following an exhaustive day.
Bottom line is that I need to slow down and rest in the Lord. Do you?
I respectfully ask you to take a moment and think about your own life and all the busy pursuits that occupy each day. Are you praying? Are you taking the time to read your Bible, or just hanging out quietly with God to listen for his voice? Are you resting in the Lord?
“Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him.” (Psalms 37:7 NKJV)
This verse reminds us to be patient, especially when we are fretting about unresolved issues, or unanswered prayers, or even struggling with our faith to believe that God is working in every area of our lives and has our backs. Resting in the Lord is critical to finding the peace that we all thirst for as believers in Jesus.
“Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.” (Psalms 62:1-2 NIV)
In our busy as a bee lives, we need to remember that only God can provide lasting rest for our souls. Only faith in Jesus will place us on solid ground and lead to our salvation. God is truly our ultimate place of refuge where nothing can shake us loose from His loving arms. With my mind freewheeling each day, I encourage myself as well as you to slow down and breath—seek out the Lord today and make time for Him before our collective heads hit the pillow.
As previously mentioned, I have work to do in all areas, so maybe we can spur each other on to spiritual serenity! And is resting at the feet of Jesus not the place we all yearn to be?
Last scriptural nugget to slow your frenzied pace and mine.
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” (Isaiah 26:3 NIV)
Paul Smyth
